Purses for Aqueduct open claimers to increase 28%-50%

By: Tom LaMarra

Purses for open claiming races at Aqueduct Racetrack will increase 28% to 50% effective March 8, the New York Racing Association said.

The move is in response to a New York State Gaming Commission decision earlier this year to amend a rule regarding the purse-to-claiming price ratio provided that “enhanced measures to ensure soundness and safety of equine athletes” are in place. The rule, which states a purse can’t be more than double the listed claiming prince, was implemented about six years ago in response to a series of breakdowns at Aqueduct and a recommendation from a special task force.

NYRA last year requested the rule be adjusted given implementation of various safety measures in recent years and increased competition for horses in the region.

“In addition to the standard level of pre-race safety scrutiny applied to all horses racing at a NYRA track, NYRA will apply an additional, secondary level of scrutiny to all horses competing in races with adjusted purse-to-claim ratios,” the company said in a release.

The exemption will be in place through March 31, NYRA said.

Under the revised schedule, purses will be as follows:

The purse for an $8,000 claimer will increase 50%, from $16,000 to $24,000.

The purse for a $10,000 claimer will increase 40%, from $20,000 to $28,000.

The purse for a $12,500 claimer will increase 28%, from $25,000 to $32,000.

The purse for a $16,000 claimer will increase 28.5%, from $28,000 to $36,000.